Zelensky Clarified What Compromise on Donbas Could Be 0 8

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky considers the creation of a free economic zone with special rules to be a compromise solution for Donbas. He voiced this condition for the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the region in an interview with the American television channel Fox News, published on Monday, December 29.

Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine cannot give up its territories to resolve the war with Russia, as this contradicts the laws of the country, the position of society, and the real situation on the ground.

"We cannot simply leave our territories. This is beyond our law. It is not just about the law - there are people living there, our army is there," he said in the interview.

Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged that the issue of territories remains the most difficult in peace negotiations. According to him, this is the only point where the positions of Kyiv and Moscow significantly diverge. The President noted that about 300,000 Ukrainians still live in these territories, many of whom have suffered from the Russian invasion and hostilities. The issue of territories cannot be viewed formally or purely politically, he concluded.

"Everyone wants peace, but not at any cost. A referendum on giving up territories will not be positive for Ukraine," he stated.

Zelensky believes that a referendum on giving up territories will not be supported by Ukrainian society.

The President of Ukraine described the creation of a free economic zone as a "real compromise" for Donbas: "If we withdraw a few kilometers, then Russia must take reciprocal steps and also withdraw its forces a few kilometers. Special rules will apply in such a free economic zone."